Check out our predictions for the AFC here.
NFC EAST
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles remain an incredibly talented team and even added to their group by signing star running back Saquon Barkley and improving a leaky defensive backfield. But there’s still some cause for pause with the retirement of Jason Kelce (who made all of the pre-snap protection adjustments) and the frosty relationship between QB Jalen Hurts and coach Nick Sirianni. They can win the division, but only because the next team has even more issues.
Prediction: 11-6
Dallas Cowboys
Jerry Jones is walking a very fine with his biggest stars and it’s either going to cost the team or the fans in the long run. The Cowboys are hoping a switch at DC will help them overcome their playoff woes, but the offence is weaker and Mike McCarthy is as lame as a lame duck coach gets. They’re good enough to sneak into a NFC wild card but it’s another first-round loss at best.
Prediction: 9-8*
Washington Commanders
With changes made pretty much across the board from the top down, Washington could be poised to be a solid sleeper pick. If Dan Quinn can fix the defence and Jayden Daniels channels RG3, it could be a recipe for early success.
Prediction: 8-9
New York Giants
Having an offensive line that can’t block, a lack of running attack and Daniel Jones at QB makes Big Blue a solid choice for a top-five pick in the draft. Maybe the defence can keep game close, but wins will be a rarity.
Prediction: 4-13
NFC NORTH
Detroit Lions
When was the last time the Detroit Lions came into the season as legit Super Bowl contenders? There have been generations of fans who couldn’t have said that. This is a stacked, tough team with a strong coaching staff and a fanbase dying for success. We think they’ll find it.
Prediction: 12-5
Green Bay Packers
The growth the Pack showed late in the season and in the playoffs was incredible and this young squad should continue to grow around Jordan Love. With a new defensive coordinator that should actually know what he’s doing, Green Bay should be among the NFC’s best.
Prediction: 12-5*
Chicago Bears
The Bears look like they’ve finally found a true franchise QB in Caleb Williams and now it’s just up to the team to develop him into a stud. The defence has some good pieces, but there are still holes on the offensive line and we worry about head coach Matt Eberflus.
Prediction: 9-8
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikes took their QB of the future in JJ McCarthy, but now will have to wait a season to see if he’s going to work out. In the meantime, Sam Darnold gets another chance and, even with Justin Jefferson to target, that has never proven to be a recipe for success.
Prediction: 6-11
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons
A new head coach, two new QBs and one of the league’s easiest schedules should setup the Falcons to cruise to a playoff berth as the NFC South champ. Once, they get there, we don’t expect much, but with Kirk Cousins at the helm, the Falcons will finally get their money’s worth from their weapons.
Prediction: 11-6
New Orleans Saints
The Saints feel like on their on the precipice of a complete collapse. Things haven’t been great under coach Dennis Allen during his tenure and QB Derek Carr is public enemy No. 1 to many fans. The offensive line is looking much worse and we’re not sure the defence can hold things together, either.
Prediction: 7-10
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs are another year older across the board and lost the offensive coordinator that helped set Baker Mayfield on a path to success. After a surprise playoff appearance last season, it won’t be repeated.
Prediction: 6-11
Carolina Panthers
The rebuild is in progress, but don’t expect a huge leap this season. Bryce Young still needs to prove himself after a rough rookie season and essentially trading away Caleb Williams for him is going to sting in the long run.
Prediction: 5-12
NFC WEST
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have had their share of training camp drama with the contract situations of Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams, plus an injury to superstar RB Christian McCaffrey. The team lost some talent on defence this off-season and will have the Super Bowl-loser hangover tom deal with, but there’s enough talent and trust in Kyle Shanahan to stay in the hunt.
Prediction: 11-6
Seattle Seahawks
It’ll be odd without Pete Carroll on the sidelines, but new coach Mike McDonald will bring a fresh voice and help get the defence back on track – especially with first-round pick Byron Murphy to anchor the line. With a bunch of weapons to work with on offence, the Seahawks are poised for a run to the playoffs.
Prediction: 9-8*
Arizona Cardinals
Once Kyler Murray came back from injury last year, the Cards were a frisky team down the stretch. Head coach Jonathan Gannon can be quirky, but he has done a decent job. The defence will remain a problem, but it’ll make for some fun shootouts.
Prediction: 7-10
L.A. Rams
While it’s easy to put some faith in Sean McVay and this offence, the defence is going to struggle with the departure of Raheem Morris and Aaron Donald’s retirement. Those are two pieces that can’t be easily replaced.
Prediction: 7-10
Overall predicitions
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP: Baltimore over Houston
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP: Detroit over San Francisco
SUPER BOWL: Baltimore over Detroit
MVP: Jordan Love, GB
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Garrett Wilson, NYJ
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Aidan Hutchinson, DET
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Marvin Harrison Jr., ARI